The Real Housewives of Atlanta (RHOA) fan base has been buzzing with speculation about whether Shamea Morton will return for the upcoming season 17.
Former star Kandi Burruss, along with longtime RHOA insider Candy Burrus Tucker, have recently weighed in on Shamea’s controversial season, her potential comeback, and the advice she should take if she chooses to return.
As the drama around the show continues to unfold off-camera, fans and critics alike are eager to know what lies ahead for Shamea and the dynamics of the Sweet 16 cast.
Shamea’s full-time debut on RHOA season 16 was met with mixed reactions.
While some viewers praised her for bringing new energy, many criticized her for what some called “cringe-worthy” moments and a lack of reality TV savvy.
Throughout the season, Shamea struggled to navigate the complex social dynamics, particularly with co-star Porsha Williams.
Their friendship, once seemingly solid, became a focal point of tension, culminating in dramatic confrontations and emotional moments that polarized fans.
Despite her beautiful life outside the show—complete with a loving husband, family, and financial stability—Shamea’s desire for fame and television spotlight seemed to drive her decision to join the cast.
According to Candy Burrus Tucker, Shamea has always wanted to leverage the platform RHOA provides, even if it meant enduring public scrutiny and difficult storylines.
Rumors swirled earlier this year that Shamea might not return for season 17, fueled by observations that she had removed RHOA references from her social media bios.
However, Candy clarified that Shamea never actually had the show in her bio, and such moves are often strategic to stir conversation among fans and keep interest alive.
Candy, who has been closely connected to the RHOA world for years, revealed that Shamea is indeed planning to return for the next season.
This insight comes despite the backlash Shamea faced and the less-than-favorable reception from some viewers and cast members.
While other key players like Cynthia Bailey have yet to be officially offered contracts, Shamea’s return seems more certain.
Kandi Burruss, a veteran of the RHOA franchise and a respected voice within the community, has offered some pointed advice to Shamea.
Kandi emphasizes that Shamea doesn’t need the show to live a fulfilling life, given her stable marriage and family.
However, if Shamea chooses to come back, Kandi encourages her to be more transparent and open about her feelings.
During the reunion, Kandi and Cynthia Bailey both advised Shamea not to hold back on her emotions and to communicate clearly when conflicts arise.
This advice addresses one of Shamea’s biggest challenges on the show—her tendency to bottle up feelings, which often led to passive-aggressive behavior and confusion among cast members.
Kandi’s counsel highlights an important lesson for anyone navigating reality TV drama: honesty and emotional expression are crucial for authentic storytelling and personal growth on camera.
Candy Burrus Tucker also discussed the complicated nature of friendships on the show.
She pointed out that real-life relationships are often tested and strained when played out on television.
The ongoing feud between Shamea and Porsha, for example, is not just about personal grievances but also about how reality TV forces unresolved issues into the spotlight repeatedly.
Candy suggested that sometimes, healing doesn’t require reconciliation with the other person but comes from within—letting go of grudges and moving forward independently.
This perspective resonates with many viewers who understand that toxic friendships don’t always have happy endings, especially when cameras are rolling.
One intriguing theory raised by Angela Oakley during an after-show discussion is that Shamea might have been “playing the long game” with her friendship with Porsha.
According to this view, Shamea intentionally maintained ties with Porsha to secure her place on the show and gain access to the fame and platform RHOA offers.
Candy echoed this sentiment, noting that Shamea’s husband, Gerald, chose not to film this season, which some speculate might have affected Shamea’s casting status in prior years.
However, Candy believes that production and Bravo executives initially did not see Shamea as a strong fit for the show, only elevating her to a full-time cast member when they needed fresh storylines amid Porsha’s own challenges.
This idea of strategic casting and relationship management sheds light on the calculated moves behind reality TV fame and the pressures cast members face to maintain relevance.
A recurring theme in discussions about Shamea’s season is whether she is suited for reality television.
Many fans and commentators describe her moments on the show as “cringe-worthy,” citing awkward interactions, forced humor, and inconsistent behavior.
Candy herself admitted that Shamea might simply not have the personality that translates well on reality TV, which isn’t necessarily a negative reflection on her character—some people just aren’t built for that kind of exposure.
This raises an interesting question about what makes a successful reality star.
Is it authenticity, drama, charisma, or a combination of factors? Shamea’s experience suggests that even with a beautiful personal life, thriving on reality TV requires a unique skill set.
As filming for season 17 is expected to begin soon, fans are curious about the evolving cast dynamics.
Cynthia Bailey’s contract status remains uncertain, while other new and returning cast members are preparing for their storylines.
KM Michelle, another cast member, is expected to focus heavily on her music career and business ventures, adding a fresh layer to the show’s narrative.
For Shamea, the upcoming season could be an opportunity to redefine her role and perhaps embrace Kandi’s advice to be more forthcoming and assertive.
Whether viewers will warm up to her or continue to feel “icky” about her presence remains to be seen.
The question of whether Shamea should return to RHOA is subjective and depends largely on what fans want from the show.
Some appreciate the new energy and drama she brings, while others feel she detracts from the group’s chemistry.
Candy Burrus Tucker and Kandi Burruss both acknowledge Shamea’s right to choose her path—whether that means stepping away from the spotlight or embracing it fully.
Ultimately, Shamea’s journey on RHOA highlights the complexities of reality TV fame—the balancing act between personal authenticity, public perception, and the desire for recognition.
Season 17 promises to be another compelling chapter in this ongoing saga.
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